Kingston could be home to the likes of the All Blacks, Australia or South Africa when the Rugby World Cup comes to England next year.

A bid by Kingston Council to be home to one of the 20 nations competing in the tournament has been accepted by organisers and the borough has now been shortlisted as a potential team base.

It means that Kingston is an official option for teams challenging for the Webb Ellis Cup next September and October.

Should a team pick Kingston, the players and coaches will stay at the Holiday Inn on Portsmouth Road and train next door at the Nuffield Health Club, as well as at Kingston University and Kingston College.

Councillor Simon James, lead member for sport, said: “We are very excited at the possibility of being part of Rugby World Cup 2015.

"We have proved that we can successfully host major events like the London 2012 Olympics cycle races and we are very keen to be involved in another major sporting spectacle.

“The council has worked closely with its partners across Kingston to come up with a strong bid that could bring the rugby world to our doorstep.”

All potential team bases must include indoor and outdoor training facilities, a gym, an indoor swimming pool and a hotel.

The facilities must meet international team training standards and be located in close proximity of one another. Match location has also been taken into account.